Ask the Veterinarian/Ending Lactation

QuestionHi Dr Christina, Thanks for your previous responses and guidance. Things have been great. Today is puppy B-Day, week 5. Mom is a very reluctant nurser at this point, we almost need to force her to remain still and lay down to allow pups to suckle. We thing she's done. Pups are eating soaked puppy food augmented with Puppy-Bak and continue to grow. Average litter weight is 97ozs with the range of 117ozs to a low of 86ozs. Again, 8 healthy Doberman puppies. So now our concern is the proper way to stop the mom's lactation process. The puppies are not nursing so mom just walks around dripping from her teets. Is there anything we should do to help this process along? We have begun cutting back on her food intake and within a few more days plan on being back to her normal food intake, assuming this is a correct part of the process. Unfortunately our Vet is not much help in this area... Thanks again,

Dan C.

AnswerMoms usually take care of drying up. Returning to normal diet is perfect. Put the pups on a raw food diet, not processed, for the very best. Wait until pups are 8-10 weeks old before vaccinating, if you plan to.

Be sure to find, now, an integrative veterinarian with whom to work. There are a lot in CA, and at www.theAVH.org you can find one who can consult by phone with you.

Expertise

I can give you the holistic approach to any problem, mostly for dogs and cats and some farm animals and horses. Depending on the condition and the type of animal, I will be able to give very specific treatment suggestions such as what flower essences, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements, diet changes, lifestyle changes or herbs that may be helpful - not drugs. I can also suggest where you can go for further education or to find a specialist in a specific holistic field. I can help you understand why your animal is ill and what improvements can be expected. I do not check messages more than every one to two days, so PLEASE DO NOT ask about EMERGENCIES - call your local veterinarian. I cannot diagnose your animal. I cannot prescribe specific treatments. I am no longer very current with conventional treatments, so cannot answer questions on those. I am not an expert on birds or small critters. I am not an expert in breeding, birthing or babies.

Experience

I graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1980 and began using homeopathy in my practice after a client introduced me to it. By 1988 I was using exclusively holistic treatments. I began lecturing in 1987 and have spoken at veterinary conferences, health food stores, people's homes, churches, veterinary college conferences - anywhere people want to learn more about keeping their animals healthy.

OrganizationsAcademy of Veterinary Homeopathy (I helped found this one)
American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association
National Center for Homeopathy
American Veterinary Medical Association

PublicationsI have written in many magazines, journals and newspapers. A few include Bark Magazine; Journal of the AHVMA; Baltimore Dog Magazine; Whole Dog Journal; Tiger Tribe; Wolf Clan. I have also been frequently interviewed on radio and TV. I am Associate Editor for the Integrative Veterinary Care Journal, so often have articles there.